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Christ Church e-news
staying connected to the Christ Church community
February 22, 2013
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Greetings!
Due to the crazy weather and lack of morning services, we will once again be collecting WalMart cards this Sunday for one of the refugee families known through First Friends ministry and the Dorcas International Institute who had a fire in their home 2 weeks ago. Please do not bring other donations. If you are willing, please bring a Walmart gift card (of any amount) to church and drop it in the offering plate. Jen Ahearn will be delivering them on Monday.
If interested in any of this year's mission trips, there will be an informational meeting this Sunday at 9am at church (former office space, downstairs).
Service times: 8:00am (Church), 9:00am & 10:45am (at Cole).
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FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR
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As I said in our Sunday evening "post-snow" service, February can be tough for church life in New England! Please check either our website, facebook, or tv stations for cancellations and changes in a storm and pass the word. Stay tuned for this weekend and be flexible as usual! :) Please take a few minutes to listen to the final sermon of our Vision series: Excellence for the Glory of God. ( listen or download from here) We all need to be giving God our best!
AS I WRITE THIS - I just had a dear sister in her 80's come by because she wanted to give her offering for the 3 weeks she has had to miss. This was important to her as a part of her deep love for Christ. The prophet Malachi challenges us to "bring our full tithes and contributions" for the Lord's work as we have determined before Him. Ministry happens 7 days a week and we need be the light - especially in the darkness of February! So let's keep up the support of the Lord's work through Christ Church. Take a moment to learn about World Fest - our annual all church focus on God's mission to the world He loves, coming next week. It's all here, on the web - and a beautiful Connections newsletter awaits you on Sunday.
In the Lord's mercy,
Lyle
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EXPERIENCE HOLY WEEK
As we begin Lent, in preparation for
Easter, we also begin preparations for our church's "Experience Holy Week" event. Many volunteers are needed to pull that off. If you would like to be a part of this special event, please add your name to the schedule, or contact Jeff Olson.
We also need a few people each night of the event to watch the children (just from 6:00 - 7:30pm). If you would be willing to help, please contact Kate Znoj (katez@christchurchec.org).
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NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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CHOIR FOR PALM SUNDAY: If you like to sing, then come on down to the Ministry Center on Thursday evenings, beginning Feb. 28 at 7:30pm. We are especially looking for men/tenors to join the choir! The choir will be singing on Palm Sunday, March 24. If you have any questions, contact Steve Ekholm ( steve_ekholm@yahoo.com).
NOMINATIONS FOR DEACON & ELDER:
It is that time of year again when we suggest candidates for the positions of Elders and Deacons of the church. Nomination forms are available at the Welcome Center, as well as position descriptions (also available on our website). Only members can nominate and be nominated for these positions. Please prayerfully consider who might be qualified to fill these important roles in our church. Nominations close March 10.
 SEWING GROUP:
The date for their next work session is March 16. The focus will be updating and sizing costumes from our collection for Experience Holy Week. They will also be creating a
costume catalog and labeling each costume piece (property of Christ Church, size and care instructions). They will be meeting in the Ministry Condo, 11:00am - 4:00pm. If interested in learning more, contact Helenanne Judisch (judisch_ri@verizon.net).
OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY:
Our online directory is up and running. If you have not logged in yet, please do so!
MyChristChurch is designed to allow you to both access and share information about the things you're involved in here at Christ Church: ministry activities, special events, service opportunities, small groups, and programs. We want to help you get connected! Here's what you need to know: Click here to log in and set up password access. Go to your profile to check that the current information is correct. You can change this yourself. You can also go to Settings/Privacy Settings to direct how much information you wish to be visible to other users. Children under twelve are not viewable by others. You can upload your own profile pictures and begin using many of the features available. More will be explained in weeks to come.
check this out:
just scroll down through the site . . .
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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A class for those in High School, College, the parent(s) of one of
these students, or Young Adults. The topic: Exploring God, Love, and Everything: Going Deep, Being Honest, Knowing God. They will hopefully begin this Sunday the Office Condo at 10:45am. The class will be taught by Cheryl Lavornia and Nathan Albert.
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THE UPPER ROOM EXPERIENCE:
This class will be taking a look at John 13 -17, facilitated by Jonathan Neuner, in the Office Condo at 9:00am beginning Sunday, February 24 -or whenever we have morning services again! Come and discuss and be transformed!
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A look at the history, overview and Christian response to Islam. Taught by Don Zeyl in the sanctuary at 9:00am beginning Sunday, February 24.
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
God has promised spiritual gifts to all believers. Discover your gifts and learn how you can most effectively serve God and get plugged in. This class will be held in the former office space at church at 10:45am beginning February 24. It runs for only 6 weeks so it is important to attend each class. Led by Rick and Mary Ann Bonin.
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World Missions
 WORLD FEST
This year George McBride will be sharing stories and challenges from his many years of life and ministry in Thailand. The teens will be challenged to "Live a Life That Matters" on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Set aside time on March 2 for a breakfast at 8:00am, when George will talk about how our culture affects the way we think of the gospel and will give us ways to share the gospel in a culturally relevant way. Saturday evening will be a family event "Thai'd With Love," 5:00 - 8:00pm. Learn about Thailand, have Thai food for dinner plus we will skype live with Dave & Elizabeth Wohlers in Thailand! website for more information. If you would like to have some one-on-one time with George while he is here, please contact Priscilla ( priscilla.liebenthal@gmail.com). SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS 2013:
Deadline for signing up for Haiti & Thailand is FEBRUARY 24! Deadline for Honduras is MARCH 10, Moldova - MARCH 31.
There will be another informational meeting this Sunday, Feb. 24 at 9am in the former office space at church. If you attended the last meeting, you do not need to come to this one.
For information on each of the trips, click here.
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MEN'S MINISTRY
 TOOL MEN MINISTRY:
The new Tool Men Ministry will begin this Saturday, February 23 with an orientation and training session for men held at the church from 8:30-10am. This ministry will be made up of volunteers placed in four-man teams. Each team will "adopt" a widow, widower, or single parent (care receiver) of Christ Church and will help them with home maintenance and yard work, etc. once a month. The number of care receivers will be determined by the number of volunteers. We will emphasize God's heart for widows, widowers, and single parents, the role of good works in the Christian life, and the biblical teaching on the love of Christ.
Men, if you have a heart for this ministry, come and join us February 23 for the orientation and training session at the church from 8:30-10 am. You won't be disappointed. (If you have questions, contact Don Yeoman at 401-828-5270).
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Local Outreach
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FIRST FRIENDS
Can you imagine being dumped into a foreign country with a culture totally different than what you are used to, knowing no one, not knowing the language... How frightening that would be! But that happens all the time to refugees coming into RI. You can make a difference, be a friendly face! For more information about the First Friends program, which welcomes Burmese refugees
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FURNITURE.CONNECTION:
This group provides furniture to people who often have nothing... Right now they are in need of cribs, tables, couches, beds, etc. If you have furniture you no longer need, please call the church and let them know (884-8632x151).
MORE HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED!
If you can help just for a few hours once a month, that would be a tremendous help! Just call that same number and leave your name and contact info.
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HOMEWORK CLUB:
It's just one day, either Tuesday or Thursday at the Reservoir Ave. School in Providence. No experience is necessary. If interested, contact
Meg Ford at (295-5703 or mford21@verizon.net).
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WOMEN'S MINISTRY
CHRIST CHURCH WOMEN'S SPRING RETREAT:
This will be taking place on Saturday, April 27 at Christ Church. So mark your calendars now!
Do you have a talent, hobby or ability you'd like to share with others? Paint, do yoga, make jewelry, line dance or any other physical or creative venture? I'd love to hear about it. We are planning our women's retreat and need women to lead small sessions doing whatever it is they love to do...again...like dressing for success, budget planning, and any other crazy pursuit. Drop me an email and I can explain a bit more. Warning: you may make a bunch of women love what you love! Contact Pastor Cheryl at cherylL@christchurchec.org  BEAUTIFUL FEET:
Run to God, take a stand, walk toward those of a
different cultures, dance in step with the music of Heaven!
The Women's Ministry of the East Coast Conference of the Covenant Church is holding a women's conference on Saturday, March 16, from 9:00am - 3:00pm at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin, CT. Bring your beautiful feet, invite friends, enjoy a time of worship, inspiration and connection. For more information and registration forms, go to their website. Cost is $40 and includes lunch and morning snacks.  COVENANT CHURCH WOMEN'S TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE:
Triennial is the once every three years gathering of women of the Evangelical Covenant Church. It will take place in San Diego, California, on August 15 - 18. It is a time to sharpen your mind and intellect with excellent workshops and learning experiences plus experience community.This is a multi-generational, multi-cultural, multi-vocational, multi-expressional event! Rooted in Jesus Christ! Triennial can be a joyful getaway, a soothing break, and a life-changing encounter. Or maybe all. But you will meet God and be changed by him.
Early bird registration is now extended through March 20! Go to CovChurch.org/triennial for all of the exciting details!
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SMALL GROUPS
GRIEF SUPPORT: A new session of grief support has begun, for those suffering over the loss of a loved one. They meet on Sunday afternoons, 2:00 - 4:00pm in the Office Condo.
A new group has formed for those who have adopted children. There will be a pot luck meeting at the Ministry Center on Saturday, February 23 at 4pm. Parents and Children will meet together during the meal and then there will be a fellowship time for parents as children meet in an adjacent room. For more information, contact Jane Castner ( janecastner@yahoo.com). Also email Jane if you wish to be a part of the FaceBook group that has formed from this new group - sharing information, resources and questions.
COUPLES GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: There is a need for more couples groups. Linda is constantly receiving inquiries about couples groups but does not have enough options to offer at this time. We have young couples/singles in Galatians, every other Tuesday, a Prayer and Old Testament study on Mondays and an Old Testament on Thursdays, but no book studies...
If the idea of leading a group has been in your thoughts, now is the time to jump on board. Linda will be happy to help you get started with your group. If you have never led a group before, give Linda a call to explore the idea. It is a blessing to love others in this way. Contact Linda Anderson - Director of Small Groups 884-8632 x 115
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
VERITAS FORUM: Today at 4:30pm at Salomon 101, Brown University (near 75 Waterman Street).A Brown professor is going to question an Oxford scholar about God, life, and the pursuit of happiness. This is a great opportunity for you to not only attend, but to also invite your friends to come with you--especially those that might be interested in God but don't hold to a particular religion and/or have a different one than you.
SOUP & SPIRIT LUNCHEONS: Throughout Lent, there will be interdenominational luncheonsand service held on Wednesdays from noon-1pm at various churches in South County.
On Feb. 27 it will be held at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church, Old Parish Center, Tower Hill.
LINKS 3rd ANNUAL LADIES NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISER: Thursday, March 7, 6:30 - 9:00pm at the Quonset O' Club, North Kingstown. The event is a fun-filled night of shopping and socializing. There will be 25 local shops, artisans and crafters, as well as health and wellness businesses in attendance. Proceeds benefit LINKS (Laymen in NK Schools), a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, places and supports volunteers in the public schools. For more information call 401-268-6594 or visit their website at www.nklinks.net.DYNAMIC DEMO: Anthony Tomaselli will be revealing to us how a fine art painter sees the subject matter and determines which parts to keep in the composition and why not everything needs to be included. This demo is free and open to the public - March 12, 7:00pm at the Wickford Art Gallery, 36 Beach St., Wickford.
YOUNGLIFE CAMP HELPERS NEEDED:
Each summer YoungLives camp weeks give teen moms and their babies the opportunity to hear about God's hope for their future and have the best week of their lives. In order for these camp weeks to happen, we need hundreds of volunteers to serve as childcare workers. These volunteers will be the hands and feet of Christ at camp and will grow deeper in their faith.
They are excited to announce they are now accepting Camp Childcare Applications! It will be held at Lake Champion, Glen Spey NY, Aug. 3-9.
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Disclaimer
The items listed here are placed as a service. Every effort is made to be careful with what is listed, but please use your own discernment, wisdom and judgment in using this information. "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil.1:9-11
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